'I Don't Need Toys, Save My Mom!' Older Lady Finds Girl's Note to Santa, Vows to Fulfill Her Wish — Story of the Day

A woman who lost everything many years ago finds a young girl's letter to Santa. What she did next was nothing short of a Christmas miracle.

Many years ago, Bethany, a successful artist, was working on one of her pieces. She then received a phone call and heard the most devastating news she had ever heard. Her daughter, Monique, and grandson, Jason, had been hospitalized after a car accident.

After rushing to the local hospital, Bethany was informed that both had died due to their injuries. Bethany fell into a depression following the losses. She felt she would never be able to move on following the tragedy.

One day, she attended St. James' Church, crying as she prayed for an answer. God spoke to her and said, "Monique and Jason are watching over you from heaven."

Bethany realized her family wouldn't want to watch her live her life in pain. She finally got back to work and released many successful artworks. Still, she felt a hole in her heart.

She decided that the best way to heal would be to help others in need. Bethany had earned millions for her artwork but had nobody left to inherit her fortune.

She started a foundation in her hometown called "Mrs. Santa's Super Sled." The initiative focused on helping to provide Christmas gifts for children living in her city's poorer areas. Throughout the year, she would receive letters from kids requesting basic necessities, books, and even food.

Every year, Bethany read every letter and fulfilled the children's wishes. It always amazed her that most of the kids wouldn't ask for toys and games but rather things that would help their families through the winter season. The initiative also inspired the local community to make donations and host food drives.

The day after schools closed for the Christmas break, she would host a large event at St. James' church which the whole community would attend.

Families from poor communities were invited, and the children's Christmas wishes were fulfilled. Bethany ensured that all the more impoverished families also joined in a special feast. They were served turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes & gravy, cranberry sauce, and the works.

One year, while going through the children's Christmas letters, Bethany came across one that stood out. 'I DON'T NEED TOYS, SAVE MY MOM' it read. The letter sent a chill down Bethany's spine. She called in her assistant, Katie, for help. "Please try and find this little girl before the holiday season starts," Bethany asked.

"I've had a stroke that requires surgery, but my health insurance can't cover the cost."

Katie set out to all the local shelters hoping someone could help in the search. Two days later, she struck gold. She felt she might have better luck asking around at nearby hospitals. At Silver Crest Hospital, a nurse suggested that the letter could be from a young girl named Christie, whose mother, Sienna, required surgery.

Katie decided to pay Sienna a visit, and the young woman confirmed that the handwriting belonged to her daughter. "I'm going to come back tomorrow with Bethany to pay you a visit," Katie told her.

The following day, Bethany and Katie went to Silver Crest. Bethany was emotional as it was the same hospital where Monique and Jason had passed away. Bethany introduced herself, and it turned out that Sienna and her daughter had attended the last two Christmas feasts. Bethany asked Sienna why she was in the hospital.

"Dear God, I'm thankful for my mom, the best mom ever."

"I've had a stroke that requires surgery, but my health insurance can't cover the cost. After my husband died, I've been working two jobs to take care of Christie, but I still can't afford to pay for the treatment," she replied.

"I try to stay positive about the situation, but Christie can read me like a book. She can always tell when something is wrong, and at the moment, a lot of things are wrong," Sienna continued. Bethany offered to pay for the surgery, and Sienna broke down in tears as she accepted the offer.

"Thank you, Mrs. Santa!"

Sienna's surgery fell on the fourth Thursday of November, Thanksgiving. Bethany visited the hospital to wish her well and found Christie in the waiting room. "Mrs. Santa?" Christie asked inquisitively. "You can call me Aunt Beth," Bethany replied.

After wishing Sienna well, Bethany decided to take Christie out for a bite while they waited for the surgery to be completed. "I'm scared that something is going to go wrong. I don't want to lose my mom!" Christie admitted.

Bethany clenched both of the young girl's hands and told her to believe in God's will. Christie asked her what she meant, and Bethany told her to close her eyes. "First, tell God what you are thankful for today," Bethany said.

"Dear God, I'm thankful for my mom, the best mom ever. She's the nicest person in the world and my best friend," Christie said nervously. With Christie's hands gripped tightly, Bethany prayed for Sienna's successful surgery and recovery. Christie then asked Bethany what to do next.

Bethany told her to have patience and leave the rest to God's will. An hour later, Christie and Bethany waited anxiously in the waiting room. A nurse came by with news that the surgery was successful and that Sienna was recovering well. Christie embraced Bethany joyfully.

"Thank you, Mrs. Santa!" Christie shouted with a beaming smile. A month later, Bethany was preparing for her annual Christmas feast and spotted two familiar faces walking the door at St. James' Church. "MRS. SANTA!" Christie screamed at the top of her lungs as Sienna followed close behind.

Sienna thanked Bethany for everything she had done for her, and the three shared a table at the feast. The two remained friends and found they helped each other feel like they had family again. While Bethany had once lost her daughter and grandson, she found a new family.

What can we learn from this story?

• Never lose hope. In her darkest hour, God showed Bethany that there is always a way forward, even through hard times.
• Lead with love. Bethany was able to help Sienna and many others in her community thanks to the kindness of her heart.

Share this story with your friends. It might brighten their day and inspire them.

If you enjoyed this story, you might like this one about a boy who begs a policeman to find Santa and give him his Christmas letter.

This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life. If you would like to share your story, please send it to info@amomama.com.